It seems like people always want to lose weight fast. That’s why there are so many fad diets out there, promising if you eat nothing but grapefruit or cabbage soup for a week, you can lose ten pounds. Really rapid weight loss is not always safe, however. If you want to meet your weight loss goal fast, here’s how to do it safely.
Step One
The Mayo Clinic recommends you start by talking to your doctor. If you want to meet your weight loss goal fast, you need to first determine a realistic goal weight and your doctor can help you do that. Your doctor can let you know if there are medical reasons you should not attempt to lose weight quickly or any exercise restrictions you should observe. Finally, your doctor can monitor you to make sure you get the nutrients you need even when losing weight rapidly. Keep in mind that unless you only need to lose a few pounds, it’s going to take more than a week or 10 days!
Step Two
Schedule an appointment with a registered dietician. A registered dietician can help you determine how many calories you should eat each day. She can help you determine how many of those calories should come from protein, how many from fat, and how many from carbohydrates. She can help you develop a meal plan that works for you and can also advise you about whether or not you need to take any vitamin supplements while on a low calorie diet.
Step Three
Stick to your meal plan. The best diet in the world won’t help you lose weight if you don’t stick to it. People often find it difficult to stick to a very restrictive diet and your dietician can help you work out a meal plan that offers you enough variety and allows you to feel full while still helping you meet your weight loss goal.
Step Four
Exercise regularly. Web MD recommends daily cardio workouts as well as twice weekly strength training. Make sure you talk with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program, though, especially if you have any special health needs or if exercise causes you any pain.
Tips
Make an appointment with a personal trainer if you need help developing an exercise routine or if you just need someone to motivate you to work out daily.
Warning
Eat the number of calories recommended by your physician and registered dietician. Don’t be tempted to try to lose weight even faster by eating fewer calories. Consuming too few calories puts you at risk for nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fast-weight-loss/an01621. Fast Weight Loss: What’s Wrong with It?
Live Strong. http://www.livestrong.com/article/4707-dangers-rapid-weight-loss/. 5 Things to Know about the Dangers of Rapid Weight Loss.
Web MD: Lose Weight Fast. http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/lose-weight-fast-how-to-do-it-safely. How to Do It Safely.
